IS YOUR CHILD A LITTLE STAR?
A leading young person’s Theatre Company in Leeds is looking for new youngsters to join its Little Stars Group.
On Stage Academy Theatre Arts, whose home is at The Carriageworks Theatre in Leeds City Centre, wants more children aged three to five to join them for their weekly Theatre Class.
“On Stage Academy has been running for 19 years,” says co-founder Liz Coggins. “We started to work with young people aged five to 16 but soon found there was a desire for a class for younger children who wanted to do more than sing nursery rhymes.”
Liz and the Deputy Principal Carolyn Craven, an early years’ specialist, wrote a unique course that would ensure the young students would learn the same strands of theatre as the older ones, but it would be tailored to their age, and in 2010 Little Stars was born.
“Little Stars has been a great success with several students who started with still attending the older classes eight years on,” Liz continues. “We’re now looking for more young students to join us on a Saturday afternoon and start learning about all things theatre.”
Reuben, aged 11, was one of the original Little Stars and has continued with the class to this day.
“I love learning new skills and showing them off,” he says. “I’ll never forget when I performed in the pantomime Aladdin at City Varieties Music Hall – I had to crawl out of a washing machine as a shrunken Wishee Washee!”
Reuben’s more challenging roles have included the Scarecrow in a potted version of The Wizard of Oz at Scarborough Open Air Theatre.
“Each student gets the chance to perform at the legendary City Varieties Music Hall in Leeds and Scarborough Open Air Theatre,” continues Liz. “This gives them early experience of live performance in front of a large audience which is incredibly valuable for any performer.”
The team leading the classes at On Stage Academy is made up of professionals including teachers in dance and drama, a vocal coach, a jazz singer, early years’ professionals, writers and directors; they teach every aspect of stagecraft from props, hair and makeup, costume design, production and choreography to stage management and theatre etiquette as well as performance skills.
But it isn’t just about training to work in the theatre as Liz explains. “The skills we share at Little Stars and On Stage Theatre Arts Academy are skills that are transferable; we help grow confidence, teach teamwork and trust, and show the students how many people work together to create a successful project – all skills that will help as they grow and venture out.”
Savi is ten years old – she started at the Academy in 2011: “At Little Stars we learn really interesting things and I have made some very good friends,” she says. “I want to work with children when I’m older– maybe as a Teaching Assistant.”
Ten year old Aoife also started at the Academy in 2011: “I like being able to rehearse and perform in a real theatre and on a proper stage where so many famous people have been.”
The City Varieties Music Hall has seen many a star take to its boards over the years – from Harry Houdini and Marie Lloyd to David Baddiel and Kate Rusby – and these Little Stars will add their names to the long list, maybe even becoming the Big Stars of the future.
“The new term starts this Saturday 14th April but we will accept applications over the coming weeks,” concludes Liz. “So if you think your child could benefit from this group, drop me a line.”
To apply for your child to join Little Stars visit www.onstagetheatrearts.co.uk and download an application form, or email [email protected]
The Little Stars new term starts this Saturday April 14th and runs every Saturday from 1 – 2pm at The Carriageworks Theatre, Millennium Square